Lead Composite Technician- 2nd Shift

rocketlab

Middle River, MD · Middle River · United States

Posted Jun 25, 2026

Other
On-site
2256 Neutron - SSC

Apply on company site

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. 

LEAD COMPOSITE TECHNICIAN

The Lead Composite Technician is responsible for leading the build and assembly of composite components used in the production of the Neutron Launch Vehicle structure, and actively participates in hands-on work as part of this working lead role. This will be a highly influential position with daily responsibility for setting job assignments to meet workflow demands and to drive daily progress. The Lead Composite Technician will be a key stakeholder in mentoring and training the team. In this role you must be an inspiring leader and set standards for the team but also be ready to work with your hands in the field.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:  

Lead a team of highly qualified composited technicians to ensure clarity and accountability of responsibilities at our Space Structures Complex.
Coordinate build activities and progress through daily leadership meetings, addressing daily, weekly, and long-term levels.
Track output of the team against delivery objectives as well as manage capacity planning and schedule of the team
Drive and encourage improvement projects and work instruction feedback that decrease touch-time, improve quality, or reduce safety risk
Drive basic preventive maintenance across the facility
Accountable for the team training and conformance to health and safety policies and procedures, including use of proper PPE
Assembly of structures including setup, bonding and fastener applications 
Laminate assemblies by determining proper placement of composite materials 
Prepare parts for bagging, including placement of bleeders, thermocouples, probes and vacuum connections 
Vacuum bag processing, bonding, and oven/autoclave curing 
Making basic layouts on parts or assemblies in order to establish reference points and to check dimensions using calipers, micrometers, precision scales and torque wrenches 
Fitting of Honeycomb, foam and syntactic core  
Fitting and refurbishment of thermal protection systems.  
Integration of mechanical hardware   
Perform other standard composite and integration building techniques and practices as industries such as aerospace, space and other composite workplaces demand.  
You may be requested to work on other products for Rocket Lab in the local area or travel as required.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:   

10+ years of experience in mechanical troubleshooting, assembly, installation, or repair within a highly regulated manufacturing or maintenance environment
High School Diploma or GED
Familiarity with hand, power, pneumatic, and inspection tools
Experience leading a team in a production environment

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:  

Composite or lamination experience  
Experienced in Core bond and Splicing 
Broad Industry manufacturing experience from previous appointments 
Advanced Prepreg manufacturing knowledge   
Resin infusion knowledge   
Experience working with material data sheets 
Familiarity working with and conforming to drilling, laminating, and assembly prints 
Must be certified or able to become certified in all composites work centers 
Experience training and mentoring composite technicians on industry standards and specific processes

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Stand and walk for entire shift (8+ hours) on various work surfaces
Climb ladders and work at elevated height small spaces, awkward positions, and tight areas as needed
Perform repetitive motions including bending, twisting, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, and stooping
Use hands with precision to handle, control, and operate tools, instruments, and equipment
Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment up to 25 lbs.
Work in varied environments including production floors, equipment areas, and field locations with exposure to noise, temperature variations, and moving machinery
Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, and varied shifts as operational needs require

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: discounted employee stock purchase program, and free snacks/drinks onsite.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (MD Only)

$37—$45 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.